AML has a five-survival rate of only 45 percent, and the prognosis for infants with AML is worse, doctors said.

“We've made significant advances in our research looking at the genetic mutations responsible for pediatric AML, but we have a long road ahead,” said Dr. Daniel Wechsler, chief of pediatric hematology at Duke.

“This grant will enable Dr. Walker to continue our work and may ultimately help us discover new ways to develop more improved, targeted therapies that can improve outcomes for pediatric leukemia patients," he continued.